When it comes to construction, timing is everything—especially with ready mix concrete. One of the most common concerns contractors and builders have is:
“How long does ready mix concrete last before it becomes unusable?”
In this blog, Singh Concrete, a trusted supplier of ready mix concrete in Surrey, breaks down everything you need to know about the shelf life of ready mix concrete, how long you have to use it and best practices to avoid waste or compromised quality.
The term “shelf life” in the context of ready mix concrete refers to the time available from mixing the concrete at the batching plant to placing and finishing it at the construction site. This is often called “usable time” or “initial set time.”
After this period, the concrete starts to set, which means it begins hardening and loses workability. Delays beyond this timeframe may lead to poor compaction, surface cracks and reduced structural strength.
Several factors can influence how long Surrey ready mix concrete remains workable:
Using concrete beyond its shelf life can lead to:
For critical applications—like foundations or load-bearing elements—this can be a serious risk.
At Singh Concrete, we guarantee fresh ready mix concrete Surrey deliveries designed to arrive on time and within the optimal shelf life window. Our batching plants are fully equipped with moisture sensors, automated mixers and temperature control systems to ensure consistency from plant to pour.
Whether you’re laying a patio in Guildford, pouring a foundation in Redhill or working on a commercial slab in London—trust Singh Concrete to deliver reliable, high-performance Surrey concrete exactly when you need it.
The shelf life of ready mix concrete is typically 60 to 90 minutes, but can vary based on temperature, mix design and delivery time. To prevent waste, delays and structural issues, it’s vital to work with a responsive, local supplier like Singh Concrete.
We don’t just supply concrete in Surrey—we partner with you to ensure every pour is perfect, every time.
Get in touch with Singh Concrete for expert advice, on-time delivery and high-quality concrete tailored to your project.
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